Intercultural
Resource
Handbook
Beloit College
Anne Bayerle, Eva Crawford, Mary Neigel, Adrienne Wilson
Revised June 2009
1
Welcome Students!
This handbook project was created in response to an expressed desire to
locate multicultural contacts and services such as ethnic stores, barbershops,
and volunteer opportunities in the community. It serves as supplementary
material to the standard resource guides which all first-year students receive.
The project was undertaken with three goals in mind. First, it aims to
provide resources which tailor to the domestic minority student population.
Second, it attempts bridge the gap between the campus and the community
by encouraging all students to make connections outside of the college.
Finally, it aims to raise awareness of the many culturally diverse
opportunities that exist in the Beloit community.
We are grateful for the collaborative efforts that have gone into this project
and we hope that all students will enjoy using it.
Anne Bayerle ’10, Eva Crawford ‘07,
Mary Neigel ‘09, Adrienne Wilson ’09
2
INDEX
Media …………………………………………………………………… 4-6
Restaurants
and Entertainment ………………………..…………………………7-10
Barbershops
and Salons ……………………………………………..…………..11-12
Churches/
Religious Communities …………………………………………….13-17
Organizations/
Volunteer Opportunities …………………………………………….18-25
3
MEDIA
The following is a selection of newspapers and radio stations which
appeal to particular minority groups.
“The Chronicle”
1872 Porter Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(866) 707- 5328
www.beloitchronicle.com/
Contact: Eugene Relerford
Newspaper based in Beloit serving primarily the African-American
community. Includes local news, community events, weather, sports,
classifieds and more.
“El Hispano”
3012 20th Avenue
P.O Box 4161
Rockford, IL 61110
(815) 229-9839
Rockford-based Hispanic/Latino newspaper. Includes local coverage of
news and events, some national and international coverage, classifieds,
horoscopes, entertainment, and more. Published weekly, and available for
free at local shops and businesses (Alvarez Restaurant, La Mexicana, Halal).
4
“El Tiempo”
308 W. State Street
Suite M4
Rockford, IL 61101
(815) 720-4545
[email protected]
Latino/Hispanic newspaper based in Rockford, IL which is written entirely
in Spanish. Includes local coverage, national and international coverage,
sports, weather, science, weekly calendar, literature/art, classifieds, and
more. Published weekly, this free newspaper is available at Alvarez
Restaurant on Blackhawk Blvd. in South Beloit, and at Guanajuato grocery
store on Henry Avenue in Beloit.
“La Voz de Beloit”
501 Prospect Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 361-0198
(815) 519-8090
[email protected]
Latino/Hispanic community newspaper based in Beloit. Published in
conjunction with Pueblos Unidos, a local organization dedicated to serving
the Hispanic community in Beloit, and written entirely in Spanish. Includes
local news, community events, and coverage of political issues which
directly affect the Hispanic population. Published monthly and available for
free at local stores and businesses.
5
“The Capital City Hues”
612 Christianson Avenue
Madison, WI 53714
(608) 241-2000
www.capitalcityhues.com
Bi-weekly, multicultural newspaper whose aim is to “celebrate our
differences while always being aware of the common foundation of
humanity we share.” Features some articles in Spanish, some in English.
Includes local news, some international coverage, opinion pieces,
classifieds, and comprehensive information about multicultural events in the
Madison area. Subscriptions are $39.00 per year. Call to subscribe.
WGEZ 1490 AM
622 Public Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-8865
Oldies station on the weekdays. Broadcasts “Radio Ritmo” Saturdays 9 a.m.
to 7 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon to 7 p.m. This program is in Spanish and
plays Latin music including musica nortena, cumbia, salsa, bachata,
reggaeton, baladas, and others. On Sunday they broadcast the “Gospel
Express” program from 10 a.m. until 12 noon from three different local
churches: Our Savior, Trinity Lutheran and St. John’s.
6
RESTAURANTS AND
ENTERTAINMENT
The following is a selection of restaurants, grocery stores, and
entertainment establishments which appeal to particular minority
groups.
Alvarez Restaurant
129 Blackhawk Blvd.
South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-4533
Authentic Mexican food in a very small, comfortable eatery. Tacos, burritos,
tortas, chimichangas, quesadillas, and more. There are usually football
games on the televisions with commentary in Spanish, and lively music
which makes for a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Guanajuato
854 Henry Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-8655
Hispanic/Latino grocery store and take-out restaurant. Sells many brands of
canned food, frozen food, pharmacy products, spices, fruit, meats, pastas,
candy, snack foods and more, with all labels in Spanish. Restaurant in the
back of the store sells tacos, tortas and burritos, and there are a few tables at
which to sit and eat. Traditionally, students have really liked the food here.
The employees speak Spanish and some English and the store always has
lively music and a fun atmosphere.
7
Halal
1617 Park Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-3044
According to owner Loyd Majeed, “Halal” means “permissive by God.” The
restaurant is take-out only and its menu offers fast food that follows Muslim
dietary restrictions including burgers, chicken, and more. Open Tuesday
through Saturday 12- 8 p.m.
La Mexicana
1501 Sixth St.
Beloit WI, 53511
(608) 363-8598
Located just across the river by the high school. Sells authentic food, spices,
vegetables, meat, canned products, juices, snack foods, and more. Also
offers a wide selection of pharmaceutical/houseware products such as
detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. All labels are in Spanish and all
employees are Spanish-speaking. There is also a small restaurant in the back
of the shop, with a larger but slightly more expensive menu than that of
Guanajuato, a music store with an extensive collection of Hispanic CD’s,
Mexican soccer jerseys, movies, and popular magazines, and a bank with
Spanish-speaking tellers.
8
La Movida
1310 Cranston Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-6910
Latino/Hispanic dance club. Dance to reggaeton, salsa, hip-hop, and more
played by DJ’s from around the area. Must be 18+ to get in, and 21+ to
drink. Business is Spanish-speaking; all advertisements and publications are
in Spanish.
Mr. B’s Coffee and Snack Shop
315 Short St.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 207-9684
Offers an extremely friendly and welcoming atmosphere and a variety of
food and beverages along with karaoke and other entertainment on Friday
and Saturday nights. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus and are
famous for their homemade doughnuts. All items are reasonably priced
which is perfect for Sunday night dinners. Also does take-out. Open Monday
through Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ms. Vickki’s Famous Ribs
722 Blackhawk Blvd.
South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-1222
Serving grilled bar-b-que ribs, chicken, brisket and sausages. Authentic
“Soul Food” dinners served to order every Sunday which includes
cornbread, homemade macaroni and cheese, fresh greens, peach cobbler or
cherry cobbler, apple pie and your choice of meats. Dine in or carryout.
Hours vary. Please call ahead.
9
Supermercado Hernandez
1204 Shirland Ave.
South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-2893
Hispanic grocery store in South Beloit. Sells fruit, vegetables, newspapers,
canned and packaged food, and a wide selection of meats. Open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Taco Loco
1200 A Shirland Ave.
South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-6512
Authentic Mexican restaurant. Tacos, tortas, gorditas, burritos, carnitas, and
more. Also serves seafood and cocktails.
Taqueria Azteca
1910 Shopiere Road
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 313-9720
Authentic, quality Mexican cuisine and atmosphere. Dine in or carryout.
Wide variety of menu items – some dishes by request. Across from
Walgreens. Open daily 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
10
BARBERSHOPS AND SALONS
The following hair care businesses in Beloit are all minority-owned and cut
and style all hair types.
Clippers & Curls
1615 Park Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-3044
Owned by Loyd Majeed and next door to Halal restaurant this small
barbershop and beauty salon has a predominantly African-American
clientele. Services include haircuts, shampoos, beard trimming, modern hair
designs, and colors. Very community-based and has an especially friendly
staff. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6
p.m.
Eclipse Estetica
203 Pleasant St.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 364-1991
(608) 364-9844
Full-service beauty salon including cuts, colors, trims, styles, etc. Sells topquality salon hair products and all employees speak Spanish and some
English. There is also a small clothing store attached to the salon, which
sells shirts, pants, boots, cowboy hats, and other such clothing, as well as a
wide range of Hispanic CD’s and other music. This is an easy walk or bike
ride from campus.
11
Famous Hair & Nail Salon
300 Blackhawk Dr.
South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-3355
This full-service salon offers everything but massages with haircuts, colors,
perms, weaves, nails, waxing, and more. Mainly has an African-American
clientele but cuts and styles all hair types. Open Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Fridays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kim’s Barbershop
922 4th Street
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 368-1476
This multicultural barbershop is the only barbershop that services all ethic
groups. It is located across the river from the College. Open Tuesday
through Saturday 8:30 am to 7 p.m.
Nu Attitude Hair Salon
1455 Huebbe Parkway
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-7227
Salon offers haircuts, colors, relaxers, perms- all of the basics. It has a
primarily African-American clientele, but cuts and styles all hair types, for
both males and females. Open Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
12
CHURCHES/RELIGIOUS
COMMUNITIES
The following is a limited selection of places of worship in Beloit which
have largely minority congregations and/or have expressed interest in
forming stronger ties with the college community. For a more complete list
of places of worship, contact the director of Beloit College’s Spiritual Life
program, Bill Conover at extension 2389 or [email protected].
Central Christian Church
2460 Milwaukee Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 362-7663
www.centralwired.com
Pastor David Clark
Central Christian is a large modern church with auditorium-like seating
instead of a traditional chapel. The church’s multicultural congregation
welcomes new members eagerly. The church does a lot of volunteer work on
its own and with organizations such as Hands of Faith. They are very
involved with local food pantries and supporting those in our community
who are less fortunate. There are many ministry groups, volunteer
opportunities, and activities to get involved in at Central. Contemporary
adult worship services are held Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m.
and 10:30 a.m., traditional praise and worship services are held Sundays at
8:30 a.m. Hispanic services are held Sunday afternoons in the Family Life
center at 1 p.m.
Central Christian Church
Hispanic Ministry
Pastor Moises Sandoval
(608) 364-2182
(608) 362-7663
This is a completely Spanish speaking service held in the Family Life Center
of Central Christian Church Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. Pastor Moises
Sandoval and his wife lead a very talented and spirit filled praise team in the
afternoon worship service. Anyone is invited to attend.
13
Congregation B’Nai Abraham
2400 Oxford Ln.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 364-4916
Rabbi Shlomo Wing
www.beloitbnaiabraham.org
This is a reformed synagogue established in 1907 with an active and
involved community. There are Shabbat services every other Friday and an
opportunity to meet with Rabbi Youdovin on Saturday mornings prior to
regular services. There are also weekly potlucks, Adult Education, and
Family Shabbat Stories. See the events calendar on the website for specific
dates and times.
Emmanuel Baptist Church
1151 East Grand Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 362-0562
Rev. Dr. Floyd Prude
Rev. Dr. Floyd Prude is the pastor of this primarily African-American
church. The congregation consists of over 250 families, and a new addition
to the church was recently completed to accommodate its growing
community. Worship services are held at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings,
and bible study is held Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
14
Faith Builders International
2170 E. Murphy Woods Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-9131
Pastor Jeff Pruitt
www.faithbuilders.cc/about_us.php
Rev. Michael Ramsdail ’06 is involved with Faith Builders, a nondenominational Christian church that has an “ethnically diverse, young
congregation.” The church also runs InnerCity Impact.
Higher Ground Christian Center
3160 Park Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-8870
Rev. Sherrick Anderson
This Christian church located in close proximity to campus. Rev. Sherrick
Anderson is the pastor, and the church has a congregation of close to 300
members. Worship services are held at 10 a.m. on Sundays, Bible study at 6
p.m. on Wednesdays, and prayer at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
House of God Keith Dominion (Pentecostal)
1822 6th Street
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 362-9797
Alice Wooding
This small church has a mostly African-American congregation, and a
warm, communal atmosphere. There is always a lot of music and praise
during the Pentecostal services held here, and the congregation is very
welcoming to new faces. Services are held Sunday mornings at 11:45 a.m.
and Bible studies are held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
15
Ministerio Latino de Espiritu de Esperanza
1992 Shopiere Road
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 362-2934
(608) 361-0198
Rev. Neddy Astudillo
www.spiritofhopebeloit.com
This ministry to the Latino community of Beloit is funded and supported by
all of the Lutheran churches in the city and the two Presbyterian churches.
Bilingual worship services and Bible studies are held at various local
churches. The church publishes a monthly newsletter in Spanish as well “El
Cristo Migrante.”
Muslim Center of Beloit
1879 Park Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-7780
Loyd Majeed, owner of Halal and Clippers & Curls, is one of the leaders at
the Muslim Center and is a contact for our students. Congregational prayer
(Jum’ah) is held every Friday beginning at 12:15 p.m.
16
New Life Ministries
Harvey and Switchtrack Alley
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 313-9085
Pastor Reynaldo Wiles
New Life is a predominantly African American congregation but has several
constituencies from all ethnic groups. Traditional Baptist services 10:00
a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sundays.
New Zion Baptist Church
1905 Mound Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 362-7703
(608) 362-7252
Rev. James Ivy
This predominantly African-American congregation welcomes anyone,
regardless of “race, color, gender or status, who is interested in learning
more about Jesus Christ and the good news of salvation through faith in
Him.” The church is looking to expand its membership and welcomes any
interactions with Beloit College students. Services are held Sundays at 10:45
a.m.
17
ORGANIZATIONS/VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Black Star Project
Local Contact: Harriett Everett
[email protected]
“The Black Star Project is a Chicago-based nonprofit that works around the
country to help [students] succeed academically with the support of parents
and communities. The group focuses on low-income Black and Latino
students in low-achieving schools.” (Phillip Jackson, founder).
The Black Star project organizes national events such as the Million Father
March, the Student Motivation Program, and the “Parent University.” The
local chapter of Black Star also works with many organizations in the Beloit
community to hold events in the area. Currently, for example, the Black Star
Project is working with the Occupational Industrialization Center (see page
18) in a program called “Midnight Basketball.” Workshops are held during
the day to teach job skills, resume-building, and computer skills, and then at
night basketball games are played as an outlet for exercise and recreation.
Black Star Project meetings are held at the OIC on the second and third
Mondays of every month at 6 pm. The organization is interested in having
Beloit College youth volunteer with the basketball program and with other
Black Star events.
18
Campus and Community Outreach Center (CCOC)
726 Church Street
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 363-2045
[email protected]
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9-11 a.m. and 3 – 5:30 p.m.
The Beloit College Campus and Community Outreach Center (CCOC) is
dedicated to providing students with opportunities to learn through
volunteerism. Volunteering is a fun and fulfilling way to connect to the
world outside the “Beloit Bubble,” and gain valuable experience that can
expand upon traditional classroom learning. The Outreach Center has made
a commitment to provide the students and the community with volunteer and
educational opportunities that will make a difference in Beloit and its
surrounding areas. The COCC provides four key ways of connecting the
students with the Beloit community. First, the COCC brings weekend
volunteer projects around the Beloit area for students to participate in.
Second, the COCC provides special projects that reach out into other areas
across Wisconsin and Illinois. The CCOC also provides an opportunity for
students to be mentors and tutors at surrounding elementary schools in our
educational outreach series. Last, but not least, CCOC sponsors the tutoring
program for Beloit K-12 students. The tutors are students from the college
who are willing to dedicate an hour a week to provide tools for the children
of Beloit to study and learn more efficiently. All volunteers have a unique
opportunity to learn and grow with each other while working together to
impact the greater community.
19
InnerCity Impact
Contact: Rev. Michael Ramsdail
(608) 290-9604
[email protected]
This is a new organization run through the Faith Builders International
Church (see page 13) that does community service in different
neighborhoods throughout the city. Each Saturday a new location is chosen
and volunteers clean up and restore developing areas. The organization
welcomes help for any amount of time and no long-term commitment is
needed.
Justice Overcoming Borders (JOB)
First Congregational Church
801 Bushnell Street
Beloit, WI 53511
Contact: Rev. Kurt Handrich
(608) 362-4821
Justice Overcoming Borders (JOB) is a faith-based nonprofit group. It brings
together people of all faiths and ethnicities to work on social justice issues.
The organization “give[s] a voice to low-income, working-class individuals
and help[s] them organize themselves for change.” (Tom Boswell, former
director) Currently, the organization is undertaking a large project to find
alternatives to incarceration of minorities. They are advocating for treatment
programs for non-violent offenders instead of automatic jail sentences.
Reverend Handrich would like to see more students involved in the
organization as a way of bridging the gap between the campus and the
community. JOB currently works with both Pueblos Unidos and the Black
Star Project.
20
Merrill Community Center
1428 Wisconsin Ave
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-1488
http://www.merrillcenter.org
Contacts:
Regina Duncan, Executive Director
[email protected]
Lindsay Healless, Program Manager
[email protected]
J. B. Elzy, Board President
The Merrill Community Center is a grassroots organization founded in 1987
by citizens of Beloit seeking to build a community center for youth, families,
and seniors of Beloit and Merrill neighborhood residents. Serving primarily
low-income African-American youth and families in the community, its
mission is: to “strengthen our community by providing programs and
resources that build strong families, sustain neighborhoods, and celebrate
diversity.” Programs include after-school and summer youth activities,
senior bingo and educational workshops, family education and social
programming, neighborhood citizen workshops, and more. Beloit College
students have been involved with the Center and its programs as mentors
and tutors, interns, and paid program staff. They have helped with
fundraising campaigns, facilitated educational youth programs, and more.
For more information contact the Center directly or the Beloit College
Outreach Center (CCOC), extension 2045.
21
NAACP Beloit Chapter
President: Sadie Knight
608-365-0314
Secretary: Harriet Everette
608-207-9091
[email protected]
The NAACP is working in the Beloit Community to ensure the equal and
fair treatment of people of color in all aspects of society. They investigate
complaints of unfair treatment through processes of negotiation and if legal
action is required, they have an attorney on staff. They also give back to the
community through philanthropic events such as book and school supply
drives. The meetings occur on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.
in the OIC, 1872 Porter Ave.
Pueblos Unidos
501 Prospect Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 361-0198
Contact: Neddy Astudillo
[email protected]
Pueblos Unidos (People United) is an organization working to serve the
growing Hispanic community in Beloit. They publish a free monthly
newspaper, La Voz (see page 3), which can often be found on campus in the
periodicals rack in the Java Joint. For the past two years they have been
responsible for organizing and creating awareness about the May 1st Rally
for Immigrant Rights that takes place in downtown Beloit and in cities all
over the U.S. Pueblos Unidos is working toward attracting more bilingual
services to the area, including legal services and counseling, mental and
health care, and reliable news coverage. They have also been working to
increase the literacy rates and proficiency in both Spanish and English
within the Hispanic community. Becoming involved with Pueblos Unidos is
a great way to network and to make a difference within the Hispanic
community of the Beloit area.
22
Pulliam Alternative Services
Contact: LaMar Pulliam
(608) 362-3600
This organization works to empower youth in the Stateline area by giving
them the means to succeed. The program is run primarily by volunteers and
is always looking for college students who are willing to work with kids
ages 10-18. Activities include: community service work, after-school
tutoring, and weekend trips. Meetings are held in the OIC building at 1872
Porter Ave.
Stateline Boys and Girls Clubs
1851 Moore St.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-8874
1161 Dorr Rd
South Beloit, IL
(815) 389-3634
http://www.statelinebgc.org/index.asp
Contact: Fred Buggs, Chief Professional Officer
[email protected]
“The Boys and Girls Clubs’ motto, ‘A Positive Place for Kids,’ reflects the
‘safe place’ the Clubs provide for kids who often come from very difficult
environments—either at home or in their neighborhoods — that may include
drugs and/or violence.” (www.statelinebgc.org) They work on youth
development and programming for kids primarily ages 6-12 in Beloit and
South Beloit and have clubs in both cities. Working with area schools, the
clubs serve more than 2,000 children annually. There are many volunteer
opportunities for working with kids at either location, and they welcome any
time students are willing to give. Beloit College alum Fred Buggs ’93 can
serve as a contact for getting involved with the club or with any other
questions about the community that students may have.
23
Upward Bound and Help Yourself Programs
Beloit College
First Floor, South College
John-Paul Gray, Director
LaTasha Bell, Asst. Director
(608) 363-2637
(608) 363-2757
Upward Bound (9th - 12th grade) and Help Yourself (4th - 12th) are precollege programs for low-income and first-generation youth in Beloit and
South Beloit. They aim to support students in becoming acclimated to the
college environment and prepared socially and academically for postsecondary education.
The Help Yourself Program (HYSP) is a Beloit College community outreach
initiative for low-income youth in the Stateline area. Its main objective is to
intervene early in the academic lives of its participants through educational
enrichment programs. The program consists of three parts: the
Beloit Academy, Pre-Collegiate and Scholarship Programs. It is funded by
the State and Beloit College.
Beloit College Upward Bound is a federally-funded TRiO program that
provides high school students with educational opportunities designed to
prepare them for college. The program assists students through academic
advising, tutoring, admissions and financial aid activities, college visits,
cultural and career activities, and counseling.
Both programs are looking for tutors and teaching assistants in both
volunteer and paid positions for summer and semester-long commitments.
24
Voluntary Action Center
159 West Grand Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-1278
(608) 365-0756
http://vacbeloit.org/
Voluntary Action Center is a local organization that places volunteers with
non-profits and assists organizations with finding volunteers. If you want to
get involved, go to their website to register and learn what new volunteer
opportunities are available. Some of the organizations with which they place
volunteers are Beloit Regional Hospice, Junior Achievement of Rock
County, Stateline Literacy Council, and more.
Mission Statement: “The Voluntary Action Center will serve as a
clearinghouse for volunteer efforts; provide education, training, and
technical assistance to community-based organizations and volunteers and
will collaborate with others to address timely community issues.”
25
We would like to extend our gratitude to all of the following
people who provided guidance and advice for this project.
Thank you all so much, and thanks to everyone else whose
name does not appear:
Diane Arnzen
Rev. Neddy Astudillo
Liz Bartley
Tom Boswell
Fred Buggs
Bill Conover
Angela Davis
Carla Davis
Joy DeLeon
Vicki Dominick
Harriet Everette
Bill Flanagan
Lee Gray
Natalie Gummer
Phyllis Hill
Rev. James Ivy
Shawna Ivy
Stephanie King-Norton
Linda Lauterbach
Debra Majeed
Loyd Majeed
Rev. Michael Ramsdail
Cecil Youngblood
26